The NBA announced its findings and punishment for Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver earlier this week, with the league concluding that Sarver was responsible for “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies” in his 17 years with Phoenix.
The NBA issued Sarver a one-year suspension where he can’t be around any league facilities or events. They also levied a $10 million fine. (Here’s more on the Sarver fallout from USA TODAY.)
Given Sarver’s history of harassment, racism and misogyny, much of the NBA world thought Sarver’s punishment was far too lenient. Especially with a similar precedent already established by former Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was forced to sell the team in 2014 after a lifetime ban.
On Wednesday, LeBron James was one of the first NBA players to publicly condemn Sarver’s actions while blasting league leadership for getting their response wrong:
Read through the Sarver stories a few times now. I gotta be honest…Our league definitely got this wrong. I don’t need to explain why. Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 14, 2022
behavior. I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 14, 2022
Those are strong remarks from the face of the NBA. Perhaps with James taking it upon himself to issue a public statement about Sarver’s punishment, it might open the door for more players and NBA figures to critique the league’s response.
Here’s what the basketball community thought of James’ comments about Sarver’s punishment.
Here's what the basketball community thought of James' comments.
Absolutely THIS 👏🏼
We have been talking circles around the bigger issue, not just this specific case, but players like @KingJames using their voices and their platforms to call this out is one way for change to hopefully come faster.Dear @NBA, please listen. https://t.co/J3PgEZ7f4f
— Dia Miller (@diandraann) September 14, 2022
Reminder that no entity pushed harder to get rid of Sterling than the players, who threatened to walk out in the middle of the playoffs https://t.co/qfQCtLgTWr
— David Steele (@David_C_Steele) September 14, 2022
“This ain’t it.”
— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) September 14, 2022
LeBron James deserves a lot of credit for often being one of, if not the first NBA player to comment on serious issues, despite being the player whose words are put under a microscope most often. Sets the tone and makes it easier for other players to speak up. https://t.co/ZuZBvq7WYo
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) September 14, 2022
Amen. And Sarver’s return will cast a shadow over the Suns organization for as long as he’s the owner. https://t.co/iZyv89HLHp
— Bob Young (@BobYoungTHI) September 14, 2022
The most powerful NBA player has spoken, but you better believe he won’t be the last. https://t.co/H0dyfwFa7z
— QuestFor18 (@HisandHerLakers) September 14, 2022
This will open the door for more players to weigh in. AK https://t.co/kC7N8xUXWh
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) September 14, 2022
Even more of a worse look for Adam Silver. https://t.co/et7JCUURhd
— Brett Alper (@TheRealAlper) September 14, 2022
Finally somebody speaking up. @KingJames on @NBA's going easy on Robert Sarver, the Phoenix Suns & Mercury owner. https://t.co/qvIH9v3MQs
— Elvia Diaz (@elviadiaz1) September 14, 2022
The real NBA commissioner has spoken https://t.co/ojbfv8fThG
— Tamantha 👸🏾 (@Tamantha_5) September 14, 2022
